Brochure - The First Tee

The First Tee Nine Core Values

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HONESTY - Golf is unique from other sports in that players

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SPORTSMANSHIP - Players must know and abide by the

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RESPECT - In golf it is important to show respect for oneself,

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CONFIDENCE - Confidence plays a key role in the level of

regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.

INTEGRITY - Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf

course even at times when others may not be looking.

rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and

respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.

playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the

honor and traditions of the game.

play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their

abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.

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The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits PHYSICAL HEALTH is the result of regular physical activity (Play), proper diet and nutrition (Energy), and incorporating proper safe practices (Safety) and rest for physical recovery.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH is a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities (Mind), contribute to a healthy home (Family), and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life while preparing for the future (Vision).

SOCIAL HEALTH is the process of creating and maintaining healthy relationships (Friends) through the choices we make, obtaining knowledge (School) and participating in extended social opportunities (Community) that contribute to good health conditions, longevity, productivity and a positive attitude.

I am excited yet anxious for the tasks and challenges that lie ahead, and I know The First Tee values and skills that I have acquired will be there helping me every step of the way.

– Kurt Alexander Ramont, The First Tee of Central Valley

RESPONSIBILITY - Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots,

rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

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PERSEVERANCE - To succeed in golf, players must continue

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COURTESY - A round of golf should begin and end with a

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JUDGMENT - Using good judgment is very important in golf.

through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from

past experiences.

handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be

Groundwork for Success Many corporations, foundations and individuals have believed in The First Tee’s mission since 1997, creating the foundation for our impact and growth across the United States and select international locations.

Because of their support, The First Tee offers extraordinary opportunities for young people to expand their perspectives and prepare for the future.

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still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.

It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection,

when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.

World Golf VIllage - 425 South Legacy Trail - St. Augustine, FL 32092 904.940.4300 - www.thefirsttee.org © 2011 The First Tee. All rights reserved. Use with permission.

More than a game.

Our Mission: To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Who We Are

What We Do

Why We Do It

The First Tee teaches young people life skills and character education through the game of golf. Its research-proven programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities.

What makes The First Tee effective in building positive character traits in young people is The First Tee Life Skills Experience ™, a curriculum developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and delivered by trained coaches. Through this experience, participants learn to apply life skills and transfer the positive values of golf to everyday life.

An independent research study* confirmed that youth involved in The First Tee Life Skills Experience learn and use life skills on the golf course and transfer these skills to other areas of their life. In fact, 100% of The First Tee participants interviewed said they transferred life skills learned at The First Tee to school. Seventy-eight percent are transferring skills such as decisionmaking, setting goals and managing their emotions from the golf course into the classroom, as well as other areas of their lives including situations with friends, family, after school activities and jobs.

At chapters around the United States and in select international locations, The First Tee delivers its life skills curriculum to young people (generally ages 5 to 17). The First Tee chapters have relationships with more than 750 golf facilities to offer programming, and the network continues to grow. Chapters also reach out in their communities to bring The First Tee programs to a growing number of locations beyond the golf course, finding ways to reach young people where they are. In addition to chapter programs, The First Tee reaches young people in schools and on military installations.

Since 1997, The First Tee has: • Introduced golf and its values to more than 5 million participants • Established more than 1,100 affiliate relationships with golf courses that offer access and reduced rates to participants • Introduced the National School Program in more than 4,000 elementary schools in the U.S. • Increased diversity in golf participation

Through The First Tee, participants learn to: • Introduce themselves • Manage emotions • Resolve conflicts • Set step-by-step goals • Plan for the future • Appreciate diversity

The First Tee National School Program introduces elementary students to the game of golf and The First Tee Nine Core Values™ during physical education classes. This ever-expanding program creates an environment where young people experience the lifelong sport of golf while learning basic golf motor skills and the inherent values of the game. Physical educators receive professional development training and are provided age-appropriate curriculum and equipment for effective implementation into their programs.

In 2009, The First Tee partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to offer golf and life skills instruction to the children of servicemen and women on 100 installations in the U.S. and 20 overseas. Complimentary programming is also available to children of National Guardsmen and Reservists.

Recently added to the curriculum is a framework for teaching young people healthy habits through golf. The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits™ is a comprehensive approach to educating young people on physical, emotional, and social wellness. The Nine Healthy Habits were created through a collaboration among The First Tee, Annika Foundation, and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people.

The First Tee Coaches are trained to: • Empower youth to make decisions by thinking about the consequences • Build rapport and establish positive relationships • Nurture golf and life skills development • Create a fun learning environment

Having mental toughness, composure and perseverance improved my golf game but will also help me throughout my life.

– Dillon McDonald, The First Tee of Eagle County (Colorado)

The study also revealed The First Tee Life Skills Experience’s ability to impart core values on youth. After participating in The First Tee for three years, 73% reported high confidence in their academic ability and 82% felt confident in their social abilities with peers. * “2005-2008 Longitudinal Effects of The First Tee Life Skills Education Program on Positive Youth Development” led by University of Minnesota’s Maureen R. Weiss, Ph.D. Visit www.thefirsttee.org to see full summary report.

For the first time [my son] has made the honor roll and gets excellent reviews from his teacher about his focus and determination to do his best.

– participant’s parent, The First Tee of San Francisco